Photo by James A. Molnar on Unsplash
Inspire Inclusivity and Learning LGBTQ+
Gender equality is an important topic that affects everyone in our society, yet is often left out of the conversation. We all have the right to be treated equally, regardless of our sexual orientation or gender identity, yet many politicians are trying to deny us these basic rights and resources. We must fight for our freedom and inclusion by standing together and advocating for the right of all people to live, work, and thrive. By joining the gender equality conversation, we can raise awareness of this issue and take a stand against those who want to divide and restrict us.
How can Parents, Families, and Educators support this narrative in their communities?
We don’t want to support the narrative of division, the narrative of restriction of our freedoms and basic human rights, including limitations of resources. The American Medical Assoc. recently reaffirmed the right to gender-affirming care. Let’s follow the lead of science, not the lead of fear (usually based on a misunderstanding of what is actually going on).
How can taking an active role in your community effect change and keep this dialogue of equality top of mind?
Any involvement, no matter how small, can make a difference. Be aware of what is happening in your community. Speak out when you encounter discrimination of any kind because if left unchecked, discrimination hurts all of us.
Inviting in vs. Coming out
The idea of coming out was about self-disclosure of a non-hetero and/or non-cis-gendered identity as a one-time event rather than the developmental evolution that it usually is. There have been notions over the years of coming out as a single event that should occur at a specific time frame in an individual’s life. Inviting in has to do with letting others know about yourself in an ongoing way, provided that those others are safe and the environment is also safe for this to occur.
How can parenting and creating a safe environment for children to discuss misconceptions and biases affect change in supporting an under-addressed LGBTQ+ community?
We know that prejudices and biases are taught, learned, and modeled to children – children do not come into the world with them. This applies to any such perspective which treats people as other or different. It’s important to provide accurate information and model acceptance to our children about the variety of LGBTQ+ expressions and existences in a developmentally appropriate way.
A selection of Non-Profits that Inspire inclusivity and learning.
National Education Association
Educator Rights to Create an Inclusive Classroom
The Coming Out Handbook
Navigating Personal Safety while Taking Action as an LGBTQ Young Person
Creating Safe and Welcoming Schools
Safe and Inclusive Schools